Our new Tech Cafe offers free, friendly tech help for seniors in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Beginning Friday 24 July, the Tech Cafe will run fortnightly from 12pm to 2pm at Sussex Neighbourhood House in Pascoe Vale.
There are no classes, and no bookings required. Simply bring along your device and any questions you have. Local volunteer Tony will provide patient, one-on-one support, helping you understand your technology and learn at your own pace.
You are welcome to ask about:
There is no such thing as a “silly” question here. Whether you need help changing a setting, connecting wireless headphones, or understanding something that has appeared on your screen, Tony will take the time to talk it through with you.
The Tech Cafe is designed to be casual and social rather than classroom-based. You can ask about the things that matter to you, without technical jargon or pressure to keep up with a group.
Tea, coffee, and Wi-Fi are available, so you can work through your questions over a cuppa.
If you have a family member, friend, or neighbour who could benefit from some friendly tech support, please let them know about the Tech Cafe.
When: Fortnightly Fridays from 24 July, 12pm to 2pm
Where: Sussex Neighbourhood House – 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale
Cost: Free
Bookings: No bookings required – we are running these as drop-in sessions. Just bring your device.
Upcoming Dates:
For more information, call Sussex Neighbourhood house on (03) 9354 2210 or visit us Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm.
Join us for Community Wellbeing Talks, a series of free weekly information sessions at Sussex Neighbourhood House in Pascoe Vale.
Hear from trusted local professionals and service providers as they share practical advice, useful resources, and everyday strategies to help you stay healthy, safe, informed, and connected.
All sessions are free and everyone is welcome. Please register via Humanitix for any or all talks you’d like to attend.
When: Fridays 11am to 12pm | 24 July to 11 September
Where: Sussex Neighbourhood House, 7 Prospect St Pascoe Vale
Cost: Free, please register
Friday 24 July | 11am to 12pm
Presented by Holstep Health
Learn more about arthritis and discover practical strategies for managing its impact on everyday life.
During this session you will:
Friday 31 July | 11am to 12pm
Presented by Victoria Police
Victoria Police will share practical information about staying safe in and around your home, in the community, and on public transport. The session will also cover where to find help and how to report safety concerns.
Friday 7 August | 11am to 12pm
Presented by Sara Murdock from Pharmacy 777 Pascoe Vale
Discover five simple habits that can help you stay healthy, strong, and connected this winter.
This informative and practical session will cover movement, nutrition, sleep, social wellbeing, and preventive healthcare, helping you thrive, not just survive, during the colder months.
Friday 21 August | 11am to 12pm
Presented by Fire Rescue Victoria
Learn practical ways to reduce fire risks in the home, understand common causes of house fires, and know what to do in an emergency.
Friday 28 August | 11am to 12pm
Presented by Victoria Police
Learn how to recognise common online scams, protect your personal information, and stay safer when using the internet and digital devices.
Friday 4 September | 11am to 12pm
Presented by a dietitian and physiotherapist from Holstep Health
Perimenopause and menopause are natural stages of life, but they are not always widely or openly discussed. This education session offers an opportunity to learn more in a welcoming community environment.
During the session, you will:
Please note that this is an educational session and will not provide individual medical treatment advice.
Friday 11 September | 11am to 12pm
Presented by Sara Murdock from Pharmacy 777 Pascoe Vale
Learn about the role gut health plays in overall wellbeing and discover practical everyday habits that can support a healthy digestive system.
All sessions are free and everyone is welcome. Book through Humanitix and select any or all of the talks you would like to attend.
Places may be limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Book Community Wellbeing Talks via Humanitix
Join us at Sussex Neighbourhood House for a special Harvest Soup Lunch, where local residents can come together over a warm bowl of homemade soup, enjoy some friendly conversation, and connect with others in the community.
As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like sharing a hearty bowl of soup with good company.
Our Harvest Soup Lunch is a relaxed and welcoming gathering where everyone is invited to pull up a chair, enjoy a delicious homemade meal, and spend time getting to know their neighbours. Soup will be supplemented with produce from the Sussex Community Garden whenever possible, celebrating the fresh ingredients grown right here in our community, by our community.
Hosted by our social work placement students, Zoe & Kirrily, these lunches are about more than sharing food. They’re an opportunity to build connections, build meaningful conversation, and feel part of a welcoming local community.
Come with a friend or on your own and you’ll be warmly welcomed!
Please make a free booking here so we know how many people to cook for 🍲
We’d love to see you there for a bowl of soup, friendly conversation, and a chance to connect with your local community 🧡💚
In Term 3, Sussex Neighbourhood House in Pascoe Vale is delighted to welcome back Suzanne Hermanoczki from Writing Days for a three-part memoir writing workshop series.
Suiable for writers of all skill levels, this welcoming writing workshop uses guided exercises and activities to help participants explore personal stories in a supportive and creative environment. Whether you’re curious about memoir, looking to build your confidence, or have always wanted to write your story, these workshops offer an inspiring place to begin.
Each workshop explores a different aspect of memoir writing:
Memoir & Memory
Saturday 18 July | 10am to 11:30am
Discover how memories can become the foundation of compelling personal stories through a range of creative writing exercises.
Memory & The (slippery) Truth
Saturday 29 August | 10am to 11:30am
Explore the fascinating relationship between memory, perspective, and truth, and how they shape the stories we tell.
Telling Your Story/Telling Others’ Stories
Saturday 19 September | 10am to 11:30am
Reflect on the opportunities and responsibilities that come along with writing about ourselves and the people around us.
Suzanne Hermanoczki and Lou Smith are facilitators of Writing Days. They are published writers, teachers, and enthusiastic supporters of creative writing and community. Based in Merri-bek, together they facilitate writing workshops, readings, events, and provide writerly advice, creating welcoming spaces for people to develop their writing and share ideas.
Workshops are available to attend individually, and discounts apply when booking the full series.
Individual workshops:
All three workshops:
With the theme Celebrating Partnerships, the afternoon was all about recognising the organisations, community groups, volunteers, and neighbours who help make our community such a welcoming place. While winter may have been outside, inside the House there was plenty of warmth, conversation, creativity, and laughter.
Visitors wandered through the building at their own pace, stopping to explore activities, chat with local organisations, and meet people they may never have crossed paths with otherwise. It was lovely to see familiar faces catching up, new friendships beginning, and community partners discovering opportunities to work together in the future.
Our activity spaces were buzzing throughout the afternoon. Guests enjoyed creating a collaborative mural with the Pascoe Vale Food Collective, trying spinning and weaving with the Pascoe Vale Hand Spinners & Weavers, painting with Pascoe Vale Rotary to donate artwork for a good cause, playing traditional card games with the Puglia Social Club (who meet here in the pool hall every Tuesday & Friday), and receiving beautiful henna designs from Celebrating & Conserving Cultures. Others settled in for board games with Mind Australia, participated in mindfulness activities with Holstep Health, discovered local services from Merri-bek Kindergarten, Pharmacy 777 Pascoe Vale, and the Merri-bek Council Ageing Well Team, admired artwork from the Glenroy Art Group, and children enjoyed playing with toys provided by the Merri-bek Toy Library.
Our Clay Art for Big Kids class also welcomed visitors to try their hand at ceramics, with many discovering the joy of hand-building with clay for the very first time.
Of course, no Winter Solstice (or SNH event!) would be complete without sharing a meal together. Free warm soup, finger food, fruit, and sweets complimented plenty of conversation around the tables.
The greatest success of the afternoon was the atmosphere. Every organisation was warmly engaged with visitors, and just as importantly, with each other. Conversations flowed between community groups, ideas were exchanged, and new relationships began to form. It was a wonderful reminder that strong communities grow when people are given the chance to connect.
A heartfelt thank you to every organisation, volunteer, and community member who helped make the afternoon such a success. Your generosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to share your time created an event that truly reflected the spirit of community partnership.
We’d also like to give a special shoutout to our wonderful students. Poppy, who joined us for her Year 10 work experience, and Melbourne University social work placement students Zoe & Kirrily were a huge help behind the scenes, making the event setup run smoothly.
Zoe and Kirrily also created a beautiful Feedback Fire activity, inviting visitors to share how neighbourhood houses have made a difference in their lives. It was a thoughtful addition to the afternoon, and a lovely reminder of the many ways community spaces help people feel connected, supported, and at home.
Term 3 enrolments at Sussex Neighbourhood House open on Monday 22 June, and we can’t wait to welcome both new and returning participants to another exciting term of learning, creativity, connection, and community.
Many of our programs fill quickly, so we encourage you to book early to avoid missing out. Once a class reaches capacity, additional registrations will be added to a waitlist. If a place doesn’t become available during Term 3, we’ll retain your expression of interest and contact you if there is availability in Term 4.
Click the program titles to book online.
This term, we’re introducing several new opportunities to learn, connect, and try something different.
Have you ever wanted to tell your story?
Local facilitator Suzanne Hermanoczki from Writing Days will lead a three-part workshop series exploring memoir writing through engaging exercises and discussion. Participants will explore memory, truth, and storytelling while developing confidence in their own voice.
We’re launching a free series of weekly talks featuring trusted local professionals sharing practical information on topics including arthritis, sleep, personal safety, cyber safety, fire safety, menopause, and gut health. These sessions are designed to help community members stay informed, independent, healthy, and connected.
Talks hosted by Fire Rescue Victoria, Victoria Police, Holstep Health, and Pharmacy 777
As the weather cools, join us for a warm bowl of homemade soup and friendly conversation. Using produce from the Sussex Community Garden where possible, these gold coin lunches offer a welcoming space to meet neighbours and enjoy a shared meal.
We’re also delighted to welcome back several fabulous programs, including:
Pattern Making was one of our most sought-after workshops earlier this year, and places are already filling quickly.
Our upcoming school holiday program offers a range of creative, educational, and hands-on experiences for kids.
Activities include:
All our usual loved programs will also be returning in Term 3.
With limited places available across many programs, we encourage you to secure your spot as soon as enrolments open on Monday 22 June.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sussex Neighbourhood House for another term of learning, creativity, wellbeing, and community connection.
Thursday 25 June
3pm to 6pm
Free event
7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale
Please RSVP
This year’s theme, Celebrating Partnerships, recognises the many local organisations, community groups, volunteers, and individuals who help make our neighbourhood stronger, more connected, and more welcoming.
Whether you’re a long-time participant, a local resident, or visiting SNH for the first time, everyone is welcome to come together and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of activities, conversation, food, and community spirit.
Throughout the afternoon, community partners will host a range of free activities that visitors can explore at their own pace.
Activities include:
Visitors are welcome to move between activities, meet local organisations, learn something new, and connect with others in the community.
From 4:30pm to 6pm, our popular Clay for Big Kids class will open its doors as part of the celebration.
Led by ceramic artists, Elnaz Nourizadeh, visitors are invited to drop in and experience working with clay in a welcoming and creative environment – all ages are welcome to enjoy the free trial!
No winter celebration would be complete without warm food and good company.
Enjoy complimentary:
Winter Solstice has become one of Sussex Neighbourhood House’s most loved annual events, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate community, belonging, and connection.
This year, we’re shining a light on the partnerships that help make our work possible and create opportunities for local people to learn, connect, and thrive.
We invite you to join us for an afternoon of warmth, creativity, and community – bring anyone you like!
Winter Solstice – Celebrating Partnerships
📅 Thursday 25 June
🕒 3pm to 6pm
📍 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale
🎟️ Free, please RSVP for catering purposes
Sussex Neighbourhood House offers three inclusive Creative Arts programs designed to support self-expression, wellbeing, participation, and social connection through movement and visual arts.
Led by qualified Arts Therapists, these programs provide opportunities for people of varying abilities and support needs to engage in meaningful creative experiences in a safe and encouraging environment.
Mondays, 12:30pm to 2pm
Creative Movement & Dance uses music, movement, and creative exploration to encourage self-expression, confidence, and connection.
Participants are supported to engage in movement in ways that suit their individual abilities, with activities adapted for a wide range of physical and cognitive needs. The focus is on participation, creativity, and enjoyment rather than dance experience or performance skills.
This program is suitable for teens and adults with disabilities who would like to explore movement in a supportive group setting.
Mondays, 2pm to 3:30pm
Mixed Media is a visual arts program designed for teens and adults with higher support needs.
Facilitated by a Creative Arts Therapist and a friendly classroom support, participants explore a variety of art materials and techniques through carefully adapted activities. The program provides additional support to ensure everyone can participate in create experiences that encourage choice-making, self-expression, sensory exploration, and connection with others.
No artistic experience is required.
Wednesdays, 1pm to 3pm
Art Connect is a welcoming visual arts program that uses creativity as a pathway to wellbeing, self-expression, and connection.
Led by a Creative Arts Therapist, participants explore a range of art activities in a structured, low-pressure environment. The focus is not on artistic skill, but on using art to express emotions, build confidence, reduce isolation, and connect with others.
This program is ideal for people seeking a supportive creative outlet, including those experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation, or reduced confidence in their creative abilities.
Thursdays, 1pm to 3pm
This is a welcoming ceramics class led by an experienced ceramic artist, where participants can explore handbuilding techniques to create their own unique works of art. Suitable for both beginners and experienced makers, the class encourages creativity, experimentation, and skill development in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Participants are guided through the process of shaping, refining, glazing, and firing their pieces, with all materials and firing included. From sculptural artworks to functional objects, every project is your choice, an opportunity to learn new skills, and bring creative ideas to life.
Our Creative Arts programs provide opportunities to explore creativity, build meaningful connections, and express yourself in ways that feel comfortable and empowering.
We welcome participants of all experience levels and abilities!
Invoicing is available.
View the individual programs through the links above, or contact us if you’d like to learn more.
📞 (03) 9354 2210
📧 enquiries@sussexnh.org.au
📍 Sussex Neighbourhood House – 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale 3044
Join us at Sussex Neighbourhood House for a special Tunisian Crochet Workshop on Saturday 20 June from 10am to 12pm.
Led by our experienced crochet tutor, this hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the unique art of Tunisian crochet. Combining elements of traditional crochet and knitting, Tunisian crochet uses a longer hook to create beautifully textured, dense fabrics that are perfect for scarves, blankets, garments, and home decor projects.
One of the reasons Tunisian crochet has become increasingly popular is its simple, rhythmic technique. Many people find the repetitive motions relaxing and therapeutic, making it an enjoyable way to unwind while creating something beautiful.
This workshop is designed for people who already have crochet skills and are ready to explore a new technique. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself creatively, meet fellow crafters, or simply enjoy a relaxing morning of crafting, this workshop is a wonderful opportunity to learn from an experienced instructor in a welcoming community setting.
Tunisian Crochet Workshop
📅 Saturday 20 June
🕙 10am to 12pm
📍 Sussex Neighbourhood House – 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale 3044
Places are limited, so we encourage early bookings to avoid missing out.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Join us at Sussex Neighbourhood House for a delicious new three-part workshop series exploring homemade scone making.
These welcoming hands-on sessions are perfect for anyone wanting to learn new baking skills, meet others in the community and enjoy freshly baked treats together. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying scone making for the first time, everyone is welcome.
Participants will be guided step-by-step through each recipe while learning simple techniques for mixing, baking, and serving delicious homemade scones.
THURSDAYS 10AM to 12PM
Thursday 4 June – Devonshire Tea
Learn how to make classic fluffy scones served with jam and cream for the ultimate Devonshire Tea experience.
Thursday 11 June – Fresh Herb Scones
Try a savoury twist with fresh herb scones made using a blend of white and wholemeal flour.
Thursday 18 June – Pumpkin Scones
A much-loved classic using mashed pumpkin for soft, golden pumpkin scones full of flavour.
Register online to secure your spot – $15 for the series!
Alongside learning practical baking skills, participants will have the chance to connect with others over a warm cup of tea and freshly baked scones straight from the oven (made by you!)
No baking experience is needed!
The Art of Scone Making is one of many community activities offered at Sussex Neighbourhood House in Pascoe Vale, creating opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection in a friendly and inclusive environment.
For more programs, visit our Courses tab.